By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State yesterday in Kaduna, has freed 110 convicts at Kaduna custodial centres as part of activities marking his one year in office and Democracy Day celebration.
He said, there are 22 convicts who will be released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Sani explained that, the remaining 88 convicts consists of those who have been convicted with option of fine ranging from N10,000:00 and above.
He said, “others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from N150,000:00 and above and in some cases, we have those with both fines and compensation elements”.
He said no society can exist and endure without law and order, while calling on citizens at all times to desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities.
He said his administration is anchored on justice and fairness while committed to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.
Sani noted that, they believe that everybody deserves a second chance, adding that persons in custodial centers can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of the state.
“In my one year in office, I have had cause to release on pardon some inmates deserving of such magnanimity during October 1, 2023 and the January 1, 2024 New Year Celebrations,
“I decided to come today in person to identify with you all and to let you know my concerns for a more reformatory system that brings about positive attitudinal changes.”
He further expressed concern with the high rate of inmates either awaiting trials or those whose trial have begun but still on-going, while those who have been convicted with fine or option of fine also makes the number.
Sani also urged all those who are about to be released to reciprocate our gesture by been of good character henceforth.
Speaking also at the ceremony, Mr Femi Falana also harped on the need for chief judge to perform his duty on the law by making sure all chief magistrates in the state visit all police stations at least once in a month.
He said, it will be the only way to prevent unnecessary arrest and congestion of prisons.
He added that, “every chief magistrate is required to visit all police stations and during the visit, the magistrate may grant bail, order the release of people who are detained or order the person be taken to court.”
He said there is need to ensure that citizens are not subjected to Illegal arrest and detention.
Falana also appealed to government and also state governors to invest in correctional centers, adding that he is in Kaduna to felicitate with the 110 convicts that are being released by Governor Sani.
He advised the convicts to avoid criminality and find something meaningful to do.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections Kaduna Command, Isa Mohammed appreciated Gov Sani’s gesture, adding that the Inmates dreams are turned into reality and management enjoys decongestion.
“Your visit today is going to be written in gold as the first Governor in Kaduna State to come to the Custodial Centre to make release of Inmates,” he said.
He said custodial centres in Kaduna and its environs face challenges including from high number of awaiting trial Inmates.
He also sought Kaduna State Government support to secure operational vehicles to convey inmates to courts, as those in use are inadequate.
He also requested for 18-seater bus which can be used in carrying special class of inmates to courts and solar borehole and solar power to assist in lighting the center.
Cyril Inawo who spoken on behalf the freed inmates, appreciated the state governor for the kind gesture, adding that they will be good ambassadors in the society.
